Coalition would upgrade Afghanistan roll

A COALITION government would increase Australia’s troop commitment in Afghanistan and take over allied military leadership in the Oruzgun province from the Dutch.

Opposition Leader Tony Abbott, in a speech to the Lowy Institute, said

“it would be a poor reflection on our defence capabilities if Australia were unable to help replace the Dutch when they leave in August this year.”

Mr Abbott said:

“If satisfied that the role made strategic sense and was compatible with our other military commitments, a Coalition would be prepared to consider doing more.”

In a later interview with The Weekend Australian, Mr Abbott confirmed that this included replacing the Dutch as the lead coalition military force in Oruzgan:

“If we could do it, I don’t see why we shouldn’t.”

This would effectively reverse decades of Australian strategic culture. Since the Vietnam War, Australian forces have not taken allied leadership responsibility in a province in any battlefield.